Growing spinach from seed is very hard for beginners, but it’s really super simple! The first step to growing spinach from seed is understanding when and how to do it. Spinach is an extremely easy, low maintenance plant that’s really quite easy to growing from seed. Any kind of vegetable seeds can be started in a grow bed with just a few simple plants.
Seeds can be started in early spring, either directly into a garden bed or into containers on your kitchen windowsill. It is important to remember that seeds should be started in late winter or early spring, so they have enough time to go through their growing season. Some seeds will even germinate the first day they are plucked from the garden. Just remember to plant your seeds in a cool, shady place and keep away from extreme temperatures, which can kill your seedlings. Seedlings can also be started indoors in pots on windowsills, out of doors, or in containers on the kitchen windowsill.
Planting seeds indoors usually means an indoor planting box, a simple rectangular box with two flat surfaces and three vertical boards placed one on top of the other. There are several different varieties of seedlings that can be started in indoor pots, as well as some that can’t. Indoor growing pots should allow room for air circulation as well as providing adequate light for healthy plant growth. Many seeds will have a much easier time germinating indoors than seeds sowed outdoors, so plan your planting space accordingly. Always make sure your seeds are dry before you put them in the pots, as moisture can cause the seeds to mold. Make sure the water doesn’t cover the entire seed, just moist enough to moisten the soil.
For growing spinach from seed, one of the easiest methods is to use a balled up piece of newspaper or an old towel to create a shallow tray that you can place inside a pot. Gently remove the seeds from their packaging, being careful not to crush or bruise them. Place them on the surface of the potting medium, being sure to cover the entire area. Make sure the seeds are not getting too hot or too cold, and that they have plenty of air circulation. A five-inch deep pot works well for most seeds.
Many gardeners prefer to start seeds indoors in small pots, which makes it easy to manage. If you have planted a large selection of varieties, you probably have a template or spreadsheet on which to place the seeds. The bolting method for starting seeds is the same, whether planting small or large pots. Just ensure that your soil is moist but not wet. Bolting works best when using a non-drip type seed, such as alfalfa.
You will want to place your seeds in a container that has a light coat of fertilizer, as well as plenty of drainage holes. To provide proper support for your plants, dig a hole that is half the size of the container, or about an inch larger at the top. Pack the soil tightly, being careful not to pack it too tightly, as this could cause the roots of your plants to become trapped. Using a sharp knife, cut a series of six to eight slits along the perimeter of the container, being careful not to cut through the root system. Cover your hole with a plastic bag if you do not want to let go of the plastic bag.
Water your plants and keep them well watered, remembering not to drown them. When the soil starts to dry out, refill your container with water. Be sure to avoid overcrowding your containers; this can result in disease and rot. Once your plants show good signs of growth, you can begin transplanting them to a bigger container. However, when your plants have grown to a point where they are blooming and producing leaves, you can begin planting them in their original container, which is about 4 inches apart from the last plant.
Vegetable gardening is a great way to improve the environment. Growing vegetables is also a great way to save money. While gardening may seem like a labor of love, much of the work involved in growing vegetables is dedication and patience. Following a few basic guidelines when planting seeds and choosing containers can help ensure successful gardening regardless of your experience level.